BOOK OF 2 JOHN
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. The small epistles in the N.T. make excellent sermons. We are
referring to 2 John, 3 John and Philemon.
1. They have their own introduction and conclusion.
2. Since they are short, each of them lend well in the time
allotted for a sermon.
I. Verse 2
A. "The elder" - John the apostle was older when he wrote 2 and 3
John.
1. The name "John" is not mentioned in either of these
epistles, but neither is his name mentioned in the gospel of
John or 1 John.
a. It is mentioned several times in the Book of Revelation.
2. The books of 2 and 3 John are thought to have been written
at the close of the first century.
B. "To the elect lady" - This is some well-known sister. Her name
is not given.
C. "Whom I love in truth" - There are two possibilities here:
1. Whom I truly love.
2. Whom I love with reference to the truth.
D. "But also those who have known the truth" - This sister was
both widely and favorably known. She had a sister who was also
a Christian. 2 John 13
II. Verse 2
A. The truth abides in our hearts. 2 Cor. 4:16
1. The truth abides in hearts as we believe, love, live, and
defend it.
B. It will be with us forever. 1 Pet. 1:23-25
III. Verse 3
A. "Grace" - God's favor; "Mercy" - God's compassion; "Peace" -
God's tranquility.
1. There are no greater blessings afforded to man.
B. "The Son of the Father, in truth and love." - There are two
possibilities here:
1. Grace, mercy and peace comes from the Father and the Son
by means of the truth and from their love.
2. Perhaps it refers to the "Son of the Father" in truth and
love; e.g., He is the "Son of His love."
IV. Verse 4-6
A. This verse is similar to 2 John 3-4.
1. It is wonderful to hear about others who continue to walk in
truth.
B. "That we love one another."
1. John spoke of love often and is called the "apostle of
love."
2. "Love" is the badge of discipleship.
3. To overcome division, brethren must hold fast the truth with
genuine love in their hearts for each other.
C. "This is love, that we walk according to His commandments." -
Love toward God involves not some great, warm feeling, but
keeping God's commandments. John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-5; 5:3
D. "You should walk in it." John is exhorting us toward love and
obedience.
V. Verses 7-11
A. "For many deceivers have gone out into the world" - This is
true even more so today. 2 Tim. 3:13
B. "Who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh."
1. These were the Gnostics who taught that all flesh was evil
and, therefore, Christ (or Deity) could not have dwelt in a
fleshly body.
a. They denied that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh. 1
John 2:22-23; 4:3
2. There are brethren today who deny that Jesus was God while
here on earth. They claim that Jesus gave up His Deity when
He came to earth.
3. See the chart below which shows that Jesus was both God
and man.
C. "Look to yourselves" - Jesus often said, "Take heed to
yourselves."
D. "That we may receive a full reward." Our reward can be taken
away through:
1. Deceivers - Col. 2:8,18
2. Our own sins - Isa. 59:2
3. Losing interest in spiritual things. Luke 8:14
E. "Transgresses" - Literally, "to go beyond."
F. "Doctrine of Christ"
1. Some say that verse 9 can only be applied to the doctrine
about Christ; e.g., the Gnostics who denied that Jesus
Christ came in the flesh.
2. However, the verse begins with "whoever." It refers to
anyone who goes beyond the doctrine of Christ.
a. The "doctrine of Christ" refers to: (1) The teaching
about Christ (2) All that Christ taught.
G. "Does not have God." Those who do not abide in the doctrine of
Christ forfeit fellowship with God.
1. Out of love and respect for God, let us abide in only that
which is written.
H. We are not to greet, nor extend the hospitality of our homes to
those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.
1. It is much easier to overlook and tolerate than to correct
and rebuke those in error.
2. Nevertheless, we are to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching. 2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 5:11
VI. Verses 12-13
A. To make a phone call or send a letter is good, but a personal
visit is better.
B. "The children of your elect sister greet you." - Again, we do
not know who these are.
Concl.
A. Some of the lessons to be learned from this epistle are:
1. We should always be concerned about the faithful walking in
truth. Let us lend instruction and encouragement whenever
we can.
2. False doctrine will condemn. Let us abide in the doctrine of
Christ, and let us have no fellowship with those who do not
do so.
Chart: THE DEITY OF JESUS
1. The Son of God - Matt. 16:16; 26:63-64
2. The only begotten of the Father - John 1:14
3. Is the Messiah (Greek: Christos) - Isa. 7:14;
9:6; John 1:41
4. Christ is the true God - John 1:1; Col 1:15-19;
2:9; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20
5. Christ is the eternally blessed God. Rom. 9:5
6. Christ is true man (proved by his dying) -
Matt. 27:50; John 19:30; Acts 2:22-24
7. Called the First and Last - Isa. 41:4; 44:6;
Rev. 1:17; 2:8
8. Called the Alpha and Omega - Rev. 1:8; 21:6;
Rev. 22:13-16
9. Is King of Kings - Rev. 1:5; 17:14; 1 Tim. 1:17
10. Is the Power and Wisdom of God - 1 Cor.
1:24
11. Is the Glory of God - 1 Cor. 2:8; Heb. 1:3;
James 2:1
12. Is Eternal - Micah 5:2; John 1:1; Col 1:17;
Heb 1:10-12
13. Is Omniscient - Luke 6:8; John 6:64
14. Is Unchangeable - Mal. 3:6; Heb. 1:12; 13:8
15. Is Lord of all - Acts 10:36; Rom. 10:12
16. Wise men worshiped Him - Matt. 2:2,11
17. He accepted Thomas' worship - John 20:28
18. To see Jesus was to have seen the Father -
John 14:8-10